Amitasraddha

Amitasraddha

My name is Amitasraddha, I live in Melbourne, Australia.

I'm an American born, recently ordained (Jan '05), dual citizen (Australia and America), who found the Dharma in Melbourne in 1989. Or should I say, I was looking for stress relief and through learning to meditate, I began to learn about myself. That's probably a more accurate account of what actually happened.

My conditions brought me in contact with Siladasa (then known as Mark Newton) at work. I'm an EEG Technician, working in a Neurology Department at a Public Hospital in Melbourne. I was going through a divorce in a strange country, filled with fear and absolutely terrified. Siladasa introduced me to the Four Noble Truths and offered to teach me to meditate. Over time, the formation of FWBO Melbourne, more meditation, study groups with Dayamegha, developing spiritual friendships, meeting visiting OM's, learning how to pronounce those "Buddhist words", I found myself on a Path! I became a Mitra on Buddha Day in 1992.

It may sound silly, but I'm usually the last one to see where I'm actually at. I remember going on a long retreat with Vajrasuri in January 1995. Telling her I would never become an Order Member and then asking for Ordination at the end of that retreat! I saw the light, so to speak. Many retreats down the line and now I'm Amitasraddha. Who would have thought? Especially coming from the so called "Bible Belt" in the States and a very strict Christian upbringing.

I'm very fortunate to have a Chapter with Sudaya, Dhiramani, and Maitripala. How lucky am I!

Amitasraddha

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